Pop, Lock, and Lawsuit: Raygun: The Musical

Famed Australian Olympian, Rachel Gun (‘Raygun’) has again found herself in the international spotlight.

Steph Broadbridge’s parody musical work, ‘Raygun: The Musical’, a story of Rachel Gun’s journey to the Paris Olympics 2024, was cancelled this past week following communication from Rachel Gunn’s legal team regarding potential ‘misuse of intellectual property’.

The alleged infringement included using the trademark ‘Raygun’  (which notably, has been pending trademark registration in association with entertainment and clothing since August 2024). 

A second, interesting, point of contention is Broadbridge’s alleged infringement upon the copyright of Gunn’s ‘kangaroo’ choreography. Whilst choreography can be protected under the Australian Copyright Act as a ‘dramatic work’, significant concerns have been raised regarding potential ownership of the ‘kangaroo’ choreography, which has been a long-standing tradition in Australian Indigenous culture. Notably, Gunn has since distanced herself from proprietary ownership of the choreography, stating that it ‘in no way mimics Aboriginal dance’ and denouncing proprietary ownership in relation to move. 

This serves as a friendly reminder: when it comes to breakdancing, musicals and IP, it is wise to watch one’s steps.